go nnd do likewise. Fino.Uy, families which regard not God may have many desirnhle thinge, but cnnnot really enjoy the Divine blessing. "The curse of the Lord is in the house of tho wicked," while" he blesseth the habitation of the just" (Prov. iii.33).-G. W. Vers.12-19.-The arlc brought to Zion. A grand day for Israel, and indeed for the world; the beginning of the religious significance of" Zion" and" Jerusalem," and the mighty spiritual influence which has gone forth far and wide from that centre. With respect to the bringing of the ark" into the city of David," we remark- I. IT WAB THl!l ACCOMPLISHMENT 011' A DELAYED PURPOSE. Although David was shocked and alarmed by the event which compelled him to desist from his first endeavour, he did not give up his purpose, but evidently set himself to prepare for a. more imposing and appropriate introduction of the sacred symbol into his metropolis than he at first contemplated. The narrative in 1 Chron. xv. and xvi. shows this; for such elaborate arrangements could not have been made in a short time. Delay tests the resolutions and purposes of men, reveals their quality, intensifies those which spring from true and reasonable zeal, and issues in their fuller execution. II. IT WAB MARKED BY BTRIOT OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW OIi' GoD. The death of Uzzah had led to careful study of the Divine directions, which were now rigidly obeyed (1 Chron. xv. 12-15, with which corresponds ver. 13 of our text, "they that bare the ark of the Lord"). It is well when painful experience of the penalties of disregard to God's laws leads to inquiry and improvement. Unhappily, multitudes who suffer the penalties fail to profit by them. Ill. IT WAS AC00Ml'ANIED WITH MUOH WORSHIP. Sacrifices were offered when a. successful start had been made. Others, in greater number, when the ark ha.d been placed in the tent prepared for it. The praises of God were sung as the procession moved on; and at the close of the ceremonies David "blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts." The suitableness of all this to the occasion is obvious. IV. IT WAS A SEASON OF GREAT GLADNESS. Indicated by David's dance" before the Lord with all his might." Also by the shouting and the noise of musical instruments ; and the royal gifts to the people at large, that all might feast. V. IT WAB A NATIONAL TBANSA0TION. All the tribes, by their representatives in great numbers, and all classes of the people-the king, the priests and Levites, the nobles, the officers of the army and their forces, the rich and the poor-united in the celebration. It was an act of national homage to the supreme Sovereign of the people- a kind of enthronement of him in his metropolis. It was intended and well adapted to make the people realize afresh that they were one nation, and to bind them in a closer unity hereafter, religious as well as civil. VI. IT WAB THE Ill'AUGURATION OF A NEW AND BETTER EBA m RELIGION. The ark: was not thus brought to Jerusalem to remain solitary and neglected, as it had so long been, but that before it Divine worship might be conducted daily in a manner becom- ing the new circumstances of the people. For this David had made careful preparation, organizing part of the priests and Levites for the purpose, while others were appointed to minister at Gibeon, where the tabernacle proper and the altars were (1 Cbron. xvi. 4-42). For the national worship was not even now conducted in strict accordance with the Mosaic Law, since that required the ark and the altars, and the priestly and Levitical ministrations, to be all in one place. On account of circumstances which i.re not explained, though they may be surmised, the king could not do all that he would, but he did what he could; and this prepared the way for the more exact obedience to the Law which was rendered when the temple was built. VII. IT MADE MANIFEST THE 0HARAOTER OF THE KING. His convictions as to the claims of God over him and his people; his zeal for the worship of God, and desire to infuse a similar spirit into the nation; his humility in descending from his elevation and fraternizing with, whilst he led, the people. By the whole narrative we are reminded of: 1. The necessity and worth to a nation oftrne religion. To elevate its life, unite its various parts and classes, promote mutual justice and a spirit of brotherhood, regulate its conduct towards other peoples, and withal secure the blessing of God. 2. 'l'he worth of godly rulers. From their position, rulers necessarily exercise a wide influence, and it is a happy circumstance when their example is in favour of religion and virtue, 3. 'l'he difference between national II, SAMUEL, lli lTS THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [oH, VI, 1-23,
religious pageants and oeremonies, 11nd tme national religion. Many will unite in the former who have no pa.rt in the latter. The former are often more brilliaut and imposing as the latter dooays. National Christianity can exist only as the individuals who compose the nation are sincere Christians. 4-. The lessons which the proceedings here recorded suggest to those engaged in openinp; a new Christian sabctuary, Concern to ~cure the abidinii; presence and blessing of God, Much praise and prayer: praise for ell _tbe mercies whioh have led up to the day, and all the revelations abd promises that give hope _to it~ prooeedin_gs; pra)'_er for the help ~f God i_n a~l, his acceptance of the work done m hie Name, his use of 1t for the promotion of his kmgdom, the "Ood of his Church, and the salvat.ion of those without. Much gladnes~ and mutual co;crre.tu- lation on account of the work accomplished, and the good that may be hoped for from it to individuals, families, the neighbourhood, etc. A hearty union of all classes in the services, introductory to permanent union in mutual love and combined effort.-G. W. Ver. 16.-Religiou.a aeal despi,sed. « She despised him in her heart." A graphic picture here. A numerous and joyous procession marching into the city with the ark of God, with sacred mu.sic and singing and dancing ; the king at the head of all, more joyous and enthusiastic than all the crowd besides; and Michal, behind her window, cool ·and collected, without sympathy with the object or spirit of the proceeding, yea, looking on with contempt, especially for her husband, who was so demonstrative in hie display of zeal and gladness. She has many imitators. There are many who recrard fervid zeal in religion with contempt. • b